How to Get Rid of Pregnancy Stretch Marks

Pregnancy stretch marks are caused due to immense stretching of your skin during pregnancy. In medical term, it is called as striae gravidarum and every woman wish to avoid its appearance post-pregnancy. So, post pregnancy if you are looking for how to get rid of pregnancy stretch marks then let’s look in detail about the causes of pregnancy stretch marks and solution on it.

The stretch marks are formed in the dermis layer. Elastin, the protein filament in the dermis layer provides it a capability to stretch like a rubber band. However, they can be pulled to a certain extent only. When the fibers get over-stretched during pregnancy, they tear up and cause scars or marks on the skin.

The pregnancy stretch marks appear not only in the abdominal area but also in other regions in your body like breasts, upper inner arms, waist, hips, and even thighs. The marks are pink or purplish in color, although if the marks remain untreated for a longer time than it might appear to be whitish in color and gets darker.

Causes and Anatomy – Understand Pregnancy Stretch Marks:

Our skin is composed of three main layers called epidermis, dermis, and subcutis. When the skin gets stretched for a longer time then the elastin fiber breaks. Stretch marks are actually tears that occur in the layers of tissue under your skin.

You gain up to 30 pounds of weight while you are pregnant or some women put on even more. With this fast weight gain, it becomes very obvious that one starts experiencing stretch marks.

16 Tested Home Remedies to Get Rid of Pregnancy Stretch Marks

Here is some collection of home remedies which are perfect solution on the question how to get rid of pregnancy stretch marks at home. The remedies are easy to use and very effective to reduce the stretch marks post pregnancy.

1. Castor Oil

It helps to reduce fine lines, spots, blemishes and other skin problems as it works as a humectant (retaining or preserving moisturizer). It also helps your skin to retain moisture and prevent dry skin.

Castor oil stimulates the formation of collagen and elastin that allows the tissues to get back to their shape even after stretching.

Things you need:

Castor oil- 2 tbsp

Plastic wrap- 1

Hot water bag- 1

Things you should do:

Take 2 tbsp of castor oil and apply a good layer of it on your skin.

Now wrap the skin with plastic wrap and place a hot water bag on it for 20 minutes.

Repeat this procedure once every day to reduce the stretch marks.

Note: You can also apply castor oil with almond oil for better results.

2. Olive Oil

Olive oil is well known for its composition of omega-3 fatty acid and acts as a great moisturizer. The application of olive oil allows your skin to stay hydrated for a long time.

Olive oil also exfoliates the skin and removes the dead skin cells immediately.

Things you need:

Olive oil- 2 tbsp

Things you should do:

Take 2 tbsp of olive oil on your palms.

Massage it around areas where you see stretch marks.

Allow it to remain on your skin for 10 minutes so that it gets absorb in your body.

Later take a bath with warm water.

Repeat the process every day before the bath to get rid of pregnancy stretch marks.

Note: You can also mix vinegar and water to olive oil and go for an overnight application to get rid of stretch marks.

3. Natural Oils

The natural oils act as anti-oxidant and thus provides relief from stretch marks. Most of these also act as a moisturizer and allows your skin to feel hydrated all the time on its daily application.

Things you need:

Lavender oil – ½ tsp

Almond oil – 2 tsp

Chamomile oil – ½ tsp

Things you should do:

The best thing that you can do is mix all these oils

Apply this to your stretch marks daily

Do this 2-3 times daily

4. Aloe Vera Gel

The collagen present in aloe vera works well to repair damaged human skin. It is also well known as a medicinal herb to treat the dry skin issues and provides relief from the dark pregnancy stretch marks.

Things you need:

Aloe vera gel- 2 tbsp

Things you should do:

Take 2 tbsp of aloe vera gel and apply it on the affected area using your fingertips.

Let it stay for 2 hours and later wash off with water

Repeat the process 2-3 times daily to vanish the pregnancy stretch marks.

5. Egg Whites

If you want to rejuvenate your skin then application of egg white is a good remedy.

Egg white is rich in 40 different proteins and amino acids which provide nourishment to the skin. In addition, it also consists of collagen and vitamin A which is useful to treat fade away the stretch marks.

Things you need:

Egg white – from 2 eggs

Things you should do:

Take out only the egg white from 2 eggs and beat it to make a thick paste.

For great results apply it daily and remove the pregnancy stretch mark quickly.

7. Lemon Juice

Being acidic in nature lemon juice helps reduce stretch marks. It is a good source of alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) and Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) which ensure the production of collagen.

It can efficiently remove the dead skin and with the regular application, the stretch marks will gradually disappear.

Things you need:

Lemon – 1

Warm water – to wash off

Things you should do:

Cut lemon into two halves.

Take a half piece of lemon and gently rub over stretch marks for 5 minutes.

Allow it to remain on your skin for 15 minutes.

Later rinse off with warm water.

Repeat this remedy 3 times a day to reduce pregnancy stretch marks.

Note: You can also mix lemon juice with cucumber juice or potato juice or even tomato juice in equal quantities and apply to your pregnancy stretch marks.

8. Potato Juice

Potato is a super food as it contains essential fatty acids and phytochemicals. It also has vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, B-Complex, potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, and zinc.

It can stimulate collagen production and synthesis of elastin and thus restore your skin by making your stretch marks fade away.

Things you need:

Potato – 1 (medium sized)

Luke warm water – to wash off

Things you should do:

Cut the potato into thick sized slices.

Take a slice and rub it over stretch marks gently.

Use all the slices if needed to cover all your marks.

Leave it for 10 minutes and later wash off with lukewarm water.

Do this process 2 times daily to see effective results.

9. Sugar

It is a natural source of glycolic acid, alpha hydroxic acid that stimulates the skin and makes it look younger.

The small sugar particles are great to remove dead skin. Alpha hydroxic acid in sugar treats extremely dry skin effective to prevent the skin darkening at times.

Here is how to get rid of pregnancy stretch marks using sugar.

Things you need:

Sugar – 1 tsp

Almond oil – 1 tsp

Lemon juice – ½ tsp

Things you should do:

Take 1 tsp of sugar, 1 tsp of almond oil and ½ tsp of lemon juice in a small bowl.

Stir it well to get a uniform solution.

Apply the solution on your stretch marks and provide a gentle massage for 10 minutes.

Latter clean your skin with water.

Use this remedy twice a week to fade the pregnancy stretch marks

10. Cocoa Butter

Cocoa butter is a natural anti-oxidant and act as an excellent moisturizer which deeply penetrates into your skin and repairs it.

This remedy also consists of vitamin E which is a rich source of antioxidant that assists in the healing of your skin and removes the stretch marks.

Things you need:

Cocoa butter – 2 tsp

Shea butter – 2 tsp

Vitamin E oil – 1 tsp

Things you should do:

Melt 2 tsp each of shea butter and cocoa butter in the microwave.

Add 1 tsp of vitamin E oil to it and mix it well.

Store the mixture in a container and allow it to cool down.

You will get a thick cream from this ingredients, apply it on the stretch marks.

Allow it remains for 15 minutes and then wash your skin with warm water.

Apply twice daily after bath for great results.

11. Alfalfa Leaves

This leaf consists of amino acids which are effective to maintain proper skin tone. It is rich in proteins, vitamin E, K, which helps to improve the skin texture. It also acts as an anti-fungal agent and leads to detoxification of your skin.

Do this for 3 times daily to get a relief from pregnancy stretch marks.

12. Apricot (Prunus Armeniaca) Mask:

It is rich in fiber and contains beta-carotene, which is an antioxidant that inhibits free radical damage. Due to this composition, apricots make a good source slow the skin aging and improvement of skin tone.

It is also a rich source of zinc, calcium, iron, and manganese which provides nourishment to the skin. All these minerals also help to maintain hormonal balance, regulating heart rate and allows to keep blood pressure under control.

Rapid removal of stretch marks can be obtained by using apricot as it permeates through the skin better.

Things you need:

Apricots – 2-3

Lukewarm water – 1 mug (to wash off)

Things you should do:

Cut open the apricots to remove their seeds and crush the fruits to get a paste.

Apply the paste on stretch marks.

Leave for about 15-20 minutes.

Now wash off with lukewarm water.

Repeat every day twice daily for one month and soon the pregnancy stretch marks will vanish.

13. Black Tea Massage

Black tea is rich in vitamin B, C, E and it is a great source of potassium, magnesium, and even zinc. Thus, it provides nourishment to the skin and improves the skin tone.

Black tea has been a part of many people’s drinks as this helps to boost the immune system, eliminate free radicals, prevents diseases like cancer too.

Black tea is also a good source for Vitamin B12 that helps regulate skin’s pigment formation and thus saves you from any kind of age spots including pregnancy stretch marks.

Things you need:

Black tea powder – 2 tbsp

Water- ½ cup

Things you should do:

Boil 2 tbsp of black tea with a ½ cup of water for 2 minutes.

Let the solution cool down for a while.

Now, gently apply the solution on your pregnancy stretch marks.

Allow it to remain for 20-30 minutes and then wash your skin with warm water.

Repeat the process every day to treat the pregnancy stretch marks.

14. Vitamin E Oil

Vitamin E is well known as one of the miracle sources for the removal of stretch marks which indeed should be a part of your daily skin treatment.

Vitamin E consists of alpha-tocopherol which improves strength and elasticity of your skin. The regular application of vitamin E will help you get rid of pregnancy stretch marks.

Things you need:

Vitamin E oil – 1 tsp

Coconut oil- ½ tsp

Things you should do:

Mix 1 tsp of vitamin E oil with ½ tsp of coconut oil.

Use it as a moisturizer over stretch marks and rub gently.

Leave it overnight and wash your skin with warm water in the morning.

Application of this remedy regularly for one month provides relief from pregnancy stretch marks.

15. Lavender Oil

The massage with lavender oil benefits the skin in several ways. It heals sunburns, burns, and even stretch marks.

It is amazing to apply lavender oil before going to bed as it has a lovely calming smell that relieves the daily stress.

Things you need:

Lavender oil- 1 tsp

Coconut oil- ½ tsp

Things you should do:

Mix 1tsp of lavender oil with ½ tsp of coconut oil.

Apply the solution over affected area and leave it overnight.

Apply this oil mixture every day to cure pregnancy stretch marks.

Note: Do not use this remedy if you have any kind of skin allergies. Do perform a spot test before application of this remedy.

16. Gotu Kola (Centella Asiatica)

This is a herb and used as a medicine to cure many skin diseases. It helps in the healing process and well known to improve blood circulation. It is a well-proven remedy on stretch marks as it stimulates the collagen formation and improves circulation in the affected area.

Method 1: Gotu Kola with Corn Starch

Things you need:

Dry gotu kola leaf – ¼ cup

Dry chamomile leaves – ¼ cup

Water – ½ cup (to boil the leaves)

Corn starch – 10 gms

Things you should do:

Boil a ¼ cup each of dry gotu kola leaves and dry chamomile leaves in a ½ cup of water.

Strain and blend the boiled leaves with corn starch to get a thick paste.

Apply the paste over stretch mark affected areas and allow it to remain for 30 minutes.

Once it dries, wash away with water.

Use this remedy regularly once every day until the pregnancy stretch marks get away.

Note: Never use Gotu Kola orally without consulting your doctor.

Method 2: Gotu Kola with Almond oil

Things you need:

Gotu kola leaves – ½ cup

Water – 2 cups

Almond oil – 1 cup

Things you should do:

Boil Gotu kola leaves in water until water reduces to half of its original volume.

Strain the water to take out the leaves and get a clear solution.

Add 1 cup of almond oil to the solution.

Now you have a herbalist oil which you should apply overnight on the stretch marks

Use this remedy regularly to get rid of pregnancy stretch marks.

Exercises:

By now you must have known that pregnancy stretch marks are a result of damage done to the collagen lying under your upper layer of skin. Also, you have learned many ways to prevent them during and after pregnancy with home remedies.

Now, you will be happy to know of more methods which help tone your skin to provide relief from pregnancy stretch marks.

So, get moving with few exercises that should be included in your daily regime. Know more on how to get rid of pregnancy stretch marks using exercises-

1. Leg Lifts:

This exercise targets your areas like the lower back, side abs, buttocks, core, groin, inner thigh, outer thigh and hip. The stretch marks in this area will be removed with the regular performance of this exercise.

Lie down on your yoga mat one-sided (right).

Now held your right hand underneath your head.

Your left arm should come in the front of your chest, palms on the floor, supporting your upper body to stay still.

Inhale first and then while exhaling come forward and bring your clasped palms towards your feet.

Make a circle starting to move towards right side like churning a mill.

As you come back make sure you do not bend your arms.

While doing this for 10 repetitions on one side keep breathing normally.

After 10 repetitions come back to original position.

Change the clasping hands such that your right thumb directs to your left side.

Do the same for 10 repetitions.

You can do this daily and you will have no more stretch marks on your stomach.

Preventive Measures for Pregnancy Stretch Marks

Let’s know one thing for sure that there are no ways to stay completely away from these pregnancy stretch marks.

Try to use below tips any for a better lifestyle to reduce the chances of pregnancy stretch marks:

Gelatin:

To kick start the formation of collagen so as to enable elasticity of your skin, you must consider using gelatin.

Consider including gelatin in your diet too. You can do so by preparing the bone broth. The best part is that you can use this broth to make gravies, soups, sauces etc.

If you love broth you can even drink it directly or. use it while boiling rice to get an extract of it in your food.

Hydration:

Remember that while you are pregnant your blood volume increases and your body get in a process of creating a huge water sack for your baby.

Thus, your body starts extra intake of water to keep your skin hydrated. You should consume at least 3-4 liters of water every day.

The symptoms like dry lips, feeling tired sooner, headaches, and not able to concentrate are the indication that your body needs more water. So, drink a lot of water to fulfill the fluid needs of your body.

Coconut Oil:

Applying coconut oil can be a great choice to keep your skin safe from pregnancy stretch marks. Coconut oil is a good source of saturated fatty acids and medium-chain fatty acids which prevent dry skin. It easily gets oxidizes and thus prevents the free radical damage.

Vitamin C:

Staying away from too many pregnancy stretch marks can be possible if we consume vitamin C as our body utilizes it to form collagen.

The best sources of vitamin C are natural foods like kale, turnips, broccoli, green parsley, guava, as well as green and red bell peppers. Increase the consumption of this food stuff to prevent pregnancy stretch marks.

Zinc:

Whatever it might take make sure that you are away from those marks by ensuring consumption of food that contains zinc.

Zinc is abundantly found in chicken, beef, lambs, eggs, legumes and even whole grains.This mineral is essential to trace element used by your body to form collagen and it also acts as an antioxidant. Thus, it is a prime key to avoiding the formation of pregnancy stretch marks.

Increase your Skin Elasticity:

Think about this, if your skin attains a lot of elasticity then it becomes easier for you to stay away from stretch marks.

You must include grass-fed meat and eggs, vitamin –A, C and E rich food, fish in your diet as they are a good source of omega-3 and 6 fatty acids. The raw whole milk, organic vegetables which are locally grown, and cod liver oil (fermented) are also useful to reduce the chance of stretch marks post-pregnancy.

This will not just benefit your skin it will also help in the development of a healthier baby too.

Exercise:

Performing exercises during pregnancy is always helpful to make your skin flexible. This will also allow you to ensure better weight maintenance.

Do perform a low-impact exercise that also includes some form of yoga which will keep you active and avoid the stretch marks post-pregnancy.

Fruits:

If you are one of those who does not like eating fruits then, this is the best time you start consuming fruits thinking of the baby and yourself.

Include fruit and vegetable mixed salads. They are a good source of water content and will help in a way to keep your body hydrated. The addition of a lot of fruits in your diet during pregnancy and after pregnancy not only helps to get rid of stretch marks but also keeps you healthy.

Dry Brushing:

For this technique you simply need a soft-bristled brush, to scrape off the dry and dead skins from your entire body during bath.

Consider the areas which are more prone to get pregnancy stretch marks. Brush out the dead skin using a soft brush and immediately after brushing take a bath with warm water. Don‘t forget to apply moisturizer on your body after bath.

Note: Do not brush over your breasts as the skin around it is very sensitive.

Quick Tips:

Here are some quick tips which are very useful during the home treatment of pregnancy stretch marks.

The best time after delivery to treat these marks is while they are still red.

Do yoga and other low-impact exercises every day.

Don’t scratch any affected area.

Take good diet with ample quantity of proteins, fibers, Vitamin A, C and E, Zinc in your diet.

Avoid saturated fats as they make you gain weight and causes stretching of your skin which leaves ugly marks on the body.

Do massage your skin daily as this aids the healing process and removes toxins.

Now, you have all the materials ready for preventive measures along with the remedies which provide ideal answer to how to get rid of pregnancy stretch marks.So, you have more likelihood of reducing stretch marks or even chances of not getting them at all.

There is a need of taking into consideration of all these remedies along with preventive measures and exercises to ensure that you stay away from pregnancy stretch marks.

Lastly, remember it very well that being a mother is a gift to you and do embrace this miracle. At the same time, you must take these pregnancy stretch marks as a challenge that you can definitely overcome gradually using home remedies and get a beautiful body.

Hey all, I am Suzanne, I love collecting new information on natural cure for health ailments. I always feel that nature has remedies for all our health problems, we just have to use it in the right way. I am DIY pursuer and thus keep trying natural things to get rid of nasty diseases. You will be amazed to know about the treasure mother earth has and how it can help us improve our health. Join me in a journey which take you closer to nature and keep you healthy.